Day 71 – Mile 961 to Mile 976.7

Friday, July 3. Upper 30s and clear going up to upper 60s.

Up at 6:40. On trail at 7:40.

Summited Benson Pass (10,107 feet) at 11:40. That was a hard, steep climb. Plus, my left Achilles is really acting up today. I have 13 more miles and one more pass to get through today. 

Stopped for lunch in a meadow at noon at 7.3 hard miles in. 

This afternoon was very difficult on multiple fronts. My goal was 19.7 miles today. However, the climbs today were very difficult. I almost gave up at 13 miles, but forced my body up nearly to the summit of the second pass. That way, I have an easier morning, and I at least got close to my plan by doing 16.4 miles. That said, those last 3.4 miles damn near broke me. 

I had a couple of people who were SOBO ask if the climbs got any easier for them today, and I had to tell them that their climbs would get worse. 

I did not see many people today and only 3 NOBO all day. I guess the big bubble is no more. I’m camping all alone. It’s a slightly disturbing feeling not having another person around and being two hard days’ hike in either direction from the nearest civilization. I try not to dwell on that. At least there is good scenery!

YouTube Video of Day 71 Views

Set up camp at 6:30. We did not get the afternoon thunderstorms that were predicted.

Technical Notes:

• Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
• Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
• Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
• Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
• Fritos 100
• Snickers 250
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Hard salami 90
• Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry 850
• Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
• Fritos 400
• Milky Way 240
• Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein 
• Water liters: 4
• Miles: 16.4
• Time: 10:42
• Up: 4196
• Down: 4573
• Calories consumed:  3550
• Calories burned: 3573
• iPhone battery used: 25%